Law enforcement urges caution during Halloween activities

Area law enforcement agencies are hoping for a fun and safe evening Wednesday when thousands of costume-clad trick-or-treaters head out to participate in Halloween activities.

Michigan State Police at the Sault Post will be hosting their 12th annual Halloween Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Of the 29 posts across the state of Michigan, the Sault Post is the only one which holds a Halloween Party, according to an event spokesperson. The party draws upwards of 500 people each year who come for refreshments, a K-9 demonstration and the opportunity to run their collected candy through a metal detector.

For those who go the more traditional route — collecting candy door-to-door — law enforcement officials are recommending that all trick-or-treating activities conclude by 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Sault Police Chief John Riley designated a three hour window — from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. — and encouraged homeowners to leave a porch light on to guide participants to their door.

Chippewa County Sheriff Robert Savoie echoed those sentiments.

“We’d like to see it wrapped up by 8 p.m.” he said.

Riley and Savoie issued a number of safety precautions — encouraging parents to make sure that costumes fit properly to ensure they don’t create a tripping hazard and that masks are altered to insure proper ventilation and clear vision.

The police chief and sheriff also agreed that parents should accompany their small children and urged the use of reflective clothing, flashlights, and glow sticks when traveling from door to door.

“It’s supposed to be pretty nasty,” said Savoie.

The Weather Channel forecast seems to back up that assessment calling for temperatures in the upper 30s with northwesterly winds blowing a steady 15 miles-per-hour and up to a 70 percent chance of rain Wednesday evening.

Due to the potential reduction in visibility, Riley and Savoie were also cautioning pedestrians and motorists alike to be extra cautious. Those on foot should avoid walking on the streets whenever possible and drivers should be very careful throughout the evening.

Law enforcement agencies will have extra patrols on duty throughout the evening.

Savoie, drawing on his decades of law enforcement experience, said that­ Devil’s Night and Halloween have been relatively quiet for the last 20-plus years with a minimal amount of vandalism across the county.